Improve the Temporary Foreign Worker Program so it meets the needs of Canadian workers and employers.

What success looks like

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) contributes to sustained economic growth without displacing qualified Canadians, meets the needs of workers and employers and protects the vulnerable.

Government's narrative on progress

The government has taken action in a number of areas to improve the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program, guided in part by the 2016 recommendations of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons' with Disabilities, including ending the four year cumulative duration rule; increasing the requirement of employers to recruit Canadians typically under-represented in the workforce; extending the low-wage cap for seasonal employment, and expanding pathways to permanent residency so that eligible newcomers are able to more fully contribute to Canadian society. Budget 2017 confirmed permanent funding for the risk-based, TFW Program employer compliance inspection regime, an increase in on-site inspections in sectors with high volumes of vulnerable workers and to support work with key stakeholders to enhance existing labour market development strategies. Funding was also provided to the Migrant Workers’ Dignity Association to help migrant workers become better informed about their rights as workers in Canada. Budget 2018 provided $194.1 million over five years, beginning in 2018–19, and $33.19 million per year ongoing, to ensure the rights of temporary foreign workers in Canada are protected and enforced as part of the Program’s robust employer compliance regime. The funding will support unannounced inspections under the TFW Program, the continued implementation of the International Mobility Program compliance regime, and the ongoing collection of labour market information related to open work permits. Budget 2018 also committed $3.4 million over two years, beginning in 2018–19, to establish a Migrant Worker Support Network (MWSN) on a pilot basis for temporary foreign workers dealing with potential mistreatment or abuse. The MWSN pilot was launched in British Columbia in October 2018. The Network supports migrant workers in understanding and exercising their rights. It also supports employers in understanding and meeting TFW Program conditions and requirements. Building on the success of the Global Talent Stream pilot, originally launched in June 2017, Budget 2019 announced $35.2 million over five years, beginning in 2019–20, with $7.4 million per year ongoing, to make the Global Talent Stream a permanent program. This will ensure that employers will continue to receive expedited access to the global talent they need while also delivering lasting benefits for the Canadian labour market. In March 2019, the government further expanded pathways to permanent residency by allocating an additional 2,000 nominations under the Provincial Nominee Program, which will provide more opportunities for existing workers at the intermediate skill level to transition to permanent residence, and help to address worker vulnerability.

Note: this is the government's own description, not an independent assessment.